Best Employee Onboarding Software in 2026
Key Takeaways
- brioHR: Best all-in-one option for growing teams in Malaysia and Singapore. Covers the full onboarding lifecycle: pre-boarding, document collection, task assignment, welcome portal, and IT provisioning, connected to payroll, leave, and performance in one system.
- altHR: Best for Malaysian SMEs that want onboarding tied directly to performance management, including pre-boarding, onboarding checklists, OKRs, and 360-degree feedback. Malaysia-only; no Singapore payroll support.
- Employment Hero: Best for Australia-linked businesses expanding headcount in Malaysia or Singapore, with a polished welcome portal and pre-boarding experience.
- Workday HCM: Best for large enterprises with complex IT provisioning needs. Most complete onboarding feature set on this list, but comes with enterprise pricing and a 12 to 24 month implementation timeline.
Most companies don't lose new hires during the job offer. They lose them in the first 90 days, buried under missing paperwork, unclear tasks, and a Day 1 experience that makes them question their decision. Organizations with structured onboarding improve new hire retention by up to 82% and productivity by over 70%, according to research by the Brandon Hall Group.
The right employee onboarding software automates the admin, assigns tasks across teams, and gives new hires a polished, structured start before they even step through the door.
This guide covers the seven best employee onboarding tools for 2026, with a focus on Malaysia and Singapore. Whether you're comparing standalone onboarding platforms or all-in-one HR systems, you'll find a clear recommendation for each use case.
| Tool | Best For | Standout Feature | Starting Price | Market |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| brioHR | All-in-one HR + full onboarding lifecycle | Pre-boarding portal + IT provisioning link | From RM3/emp/mo | MY/SG |
| altHR | Malaysian SMEs wanting onboarding + performance | Full pre-boarding tied to OKRs and KPIs | Custom quote | MY |
| Swingvy | Payroll-first SMEs adding basic onboarding | Clean payroll UI with statutory compliance | From RM10/emp/mo | MY/SG |
| OmniHR | SG/MY teams wanting a full all-in-one HR suite | Welcome portal + recognition tools | From S$3/emp/mo | SG/MY |
| Employment Hero | AU-linked companies expanding to Malaysia/Singapore | Welcome portal + pre-boarding | From RM8/emp/mo | AU/MY/SG |
| Workday HCM | Large enterprises with complex IT provisioning needs | Full IT/HR provisioning link | Enterprise pricing | Global |
| QuickHR | Singapore SMEs standardizing HR operations | ISO 9001:2015 certified + native SG payroll | From S$5/emp/mo | SG (MY via partner) |
If you're running HR for a growing team in Malaysia or Singapore and want one system instead of three, brioHR is worth a closer look before you go any further.
"We work with mid-size growing companies who are better not to focus their money and energy on compliance and administrative matters, and rather ensure that their team operates in the best conditions to contribute to the company's success"
brioHR: Best for All-in-One Employee Onboarding and HR
brioHR is an all-in-one Human Resources Management System (HRMS) built for companies in Malaysia and Singapore. Hiring, onboarding, payroll, leave, claims, attendance, performance, and analytics all sit in one platform. More than 1,000 organizations across 50 countries use brioHR. It's the strongest fit for growing SMEs and mid-market companies that need compliant, connected HR without enterprise complexity.
brioHR Key Features
brioHR's onboarding module is built to eliminate Day 1 chaos and give new hires a structured, professional start from before they arrive.
Pre-Boarding and Welcome Portal
Most onboarding delays happen before Day 1. New hires wait for IT access, send documents by email, and arrive with nothing set up.
brioHR's pre-boarding feature lets HR teams send a welcome portal to new employees before their start date. New hires submit required documents, complete profile setup, and review company policies without waiting to come in. Everything flows directly into their digital employee file, with no re-entry required.
brioHR also includes an IT provisioning link, a feature absent from most local HR platforms, connecting HR onboarding workflows to IT setup automatically.
Onboarding Checklists and Task Assignment
Once a new hire is created in the system, brioHR auto-generates a checklist with tasks assigned across HR, IT, and the hiring manager. Each task has an owner, due date, and completion status. Managers and HR can track progress in real time. Learn more about brioHR's onboarding module and how it works in practice.
Task assignment extends beyond HR: Finance, IT, and department heads each receive their relevant steps automatically. This is where most standalone onboarding tools fall short. They handle the HR paperwork but leave cross-functional coordination to manual follow-up.
Connected Onboarding to Payroll and Performance
When a new hire completes onboarding, their employee profile is payroll-ready. Leave entitlements are set automatically based on their contract. Performance goals can be assigned through the same platform immediately.
This end-to-end connection removes the need to re-enter employee data across systems. Explore brioHR's performance management tools and HR reporting software to see how onboarding data flows into the wider system.
brioHR Pricing
| Plan | Details |
|---|---|
| Modular pricing | Per-employee pricing based on modules and headcount, starting at RM3 per employee per month |
| Custom quote | Tailored based on headcount, workflows, and rollout needs |
Where brioHR Shines
- Full onboarding lifecycle in one place: Pre-boarding, document collection, task assignment, welcome portal, and IT provisioning, all connected to payroll, leave, and performance. No tool-stitching, no double data entry.
- Malaysian and Singapore compliance built in: Employees' Provident Fund (EPF), Social Security Organisation (SOCSO), Employment Insurance Scheme (EIS), Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri (LHDN), Central Provident Fund (CPF), Skills Development Levy (SDL), and IR8A workflows handled natively. Statutory updates roll out automatically.
- Sub-three-minute support response: brioHR reports a 96% positive feedback rate with real human support during local hours. That matters when onboarding is time-sensitive and delays cost money.
Where brioHR Falls Short
- More platform than a solo operator needs: brioHR is designed for teams with real HR complexity. Very small teams (under five people) may not use enough of it to justify the full setup.
- Built for long-term use, not quick fixes: If you need a temporary or single-purpose onboarding tool, brioHR is more platform than required. It's a commitment to a proper HR system.
brioHR Customer Reviews
brioHR holds 4.7 stars from verified G2 reviews. On Capterra, reviewers highlight easy implementation, strong analytics, and reliable day-to-day usability.
Entertainment, 201-500
Electrical/Electronic Manufacturing, 6-12 months
Who brioHR Is Best For
- Growing SMEs: Teams replacing spreadsheets or disconnected onboarding, payroll, and leave tools.
- Mid-sized companies: Businesses that need onboarding, compliance, and stronger reporting in one system.
- Regional teams: Malaysia and Singapore companies that want one unified HR platform across entities.
altHR: Best for Malaysian SMEs Wanting Onboarding and Performance Together
altHR is a Malaysian HR platform that combines a solid onboarding module with a genuine performance suite: Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), 360-degree feedback, Key Performance Indicator (KPI) tracking, and performance dashboards. It's a strong choice for companies that want to connect Day 1 onboarding to longer-term performance management.
Key Features
Full Onboarding Flow with Pre-Boarding
altHR's onboarding module includes a digital flow, checklists, task assignment, document collection, and pre-boarding. New hires can complete paperwork and profile setup before their start date, which meaningfully differentiates it from more basic local tools.
Performance Management Suite
OKRs, KPI tracking, 360-degree feedback, peer review, self-assessment, calibration, and performance dashboards are all included. For HR teams looking to build a performance culture from the moment someone joins, having onboarding and performance in one system is a practical advantage.
altHR Pricing
| Plan | Details |
|---|---|
| Pricing | Custom quote based on company size and modules selected |
Where altHR Shines
- Strong performance suite for the price tier: OKRs, 360-degree feedback, and performance dashboards are genuinely built out, not token features.
- Good onboarding coverage: Pre-boarding, checklists, and task assignment make new hire workflows cleaner than most local tools.
- Malaysian-first compliance: Full EPF, SOCSO, EIS, Potongan Cukai Bulanan (PCB), and Human Resource Development Fund (HRDF) support with religious leave types.
Where altHR Falls Short
- No Singapore payroll support: altHR is built for Malaysia. Companies with Singapore headcount need a separate tool.
- No recruitment or Applicant Tracking System (ATS): Candidate sourcing and tracking require separate systems.
altHR Customer Reviews
50 or fewer employees
Who altHR Is Best For
- Malaysian SMEs: Teams that want leave, onboarding, and performance management in one local platform.
- Performance-driven HR teams: Companies moving beyond admin-only HR toward active talent development.
Swingvy: Best for Payroll-First SMEs Wanting Basic Onboarding
Swingvy is a cloud-based HR and payroll platform built for SMEs in Malaysia and Singapore. Its core strength is payroll: it handles EPF, SOCSO, EIS, PCB, CPF, SDL, and IR8A natively. Onboarding exists on the platform but is more limited than dedicated alternatives.
Key Features
Payroll with Local Statutory Compliance
Swingvy runs full payroll for Malaysia and Singapore with native statutory support. Auto-payslip generation, bank direct credit, and LHDN e-filing are included. It's a clean option when payroll is the primary requirement and onboarding is secondary.
Basic Onboarding and Document Management
Swingvy offers partial onboarding functionality: document collection and progress tracking. It doesn't include a dedicated welcome portal or pre-boarding, so companies with structured Day 1 requirements will need supplementary tools.
Swingvy Pricing
| Plan | Details |
|---|---|
| SME plan | From approximately RM10 per employee per month |
| Custom | Varies by modules and headcount |
Where Swingvy Shines
- Clean payroll execution: Full MY and SG statutory compliance with a straightforward interface. Consistently positive reviews for ease of use.
- Good for lean HR teams: Simple enough that non-HR users can navigate without training.
Where Swingvy Falls Short
- Limited onboarding depth: No welcome portal, no pre-boarding, and partial task assignment. Not suited for structured multi-step onboarding programs.
- No performance or engagement tools: Swingvy doesn't include goal setting, OKRs, pulse surveys, or recognition features.
Swingvy Customer Reviews
Venture Capital & Private Equity, <6 months
Retail, <6 months
Who Swingvy Is Best For
- Payroll-first SMEs: Small teams whose primary need is reliable, compliant payroll for MY or SG, with onboarding as a secondary feature.
- Companies not yet ready for a full HRMS: Teams that want to start simple and expand later.
OmniHR
OmniHR is a Singapore-founded HR platform serving both Malaysia and Singapore. It covers the full onboarding lifecycle: digital flow, checklists, task assignment, document collection, welcome portal, and pre-boarding. It also includes pulse surveys, eNPS, and recognition features. OmniHR is a full-stack option best suited for SG/MY teams that want onboarding, payroll, engagement, and performance in one connected platform.
Employment Hero
Employment Hero is an Australian HR platform with a strong presence in Malaysia and Singapore. Its onboarding module includes a digital flow, task assignment, document collection, welcome portal, and pre-boarding. Note that HR and payroll operate on separate logins, which adds friction for teams managing both day to day. Employment Hero also includes recognition, pulse surveys, and eNPS. It's best for AU-linked businesses expanding headcount in Malaysia or Singapore that want engagement tools connected to onboarding from Day 1.
Workday HCM
Workday Human Capital Management (HCM) is the enterprise gold standard in HR software. It's the only platform on this list with a full IT provisioning link, connecting HR onboarding workflows directly to IT setup. It also covers global payroll, multi-currency compliance, succession planning, and predictive analytics. Workday suits large enterprises with 500+ employees and complex multi-country requirements. Implementation typically takes 12 to 24 months with enterprise-grade pricing. Not a fit for SMEs or mid-market teams.
QuickHR
QuickHR is a Singapore-first HR platform with solid daily HR coverage: leave, claims, attendance, document management, and contract management. It holds ISO (International Organization for Standardization) 9001:2015 certification, which adds credibility for compliance-sensitive procurement teams. However, QuickHR has no onboarding module. There's no digital onboarding flow, no checklist, no task assignment, no welcome portal, and no pre-boarding. Document collection is available, but that's the extent of onboarding support. Malaysian payroll (EPF, SOCSO, EIS, PCB, HRDF) is partner-based rather than native. QuickHR is best for Singapore SMEs standardizing core HR operations that don't yet need a structured onboarding program.
Onboarding Feature Comparison
Here's how the seven tools compare specifically on onboarding capabilities.
| Feature | brioHR | altHR | Swingvy | OmniHR | Emp. Hero | Workday | QuickHR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital onboarding flow | Yes | Yes | Partial | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Onboarding checklist | Yes | Yes | Partial | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Task assignment (manager) | Yes | Yes | Partial | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Document collection | Yes | Yes | Partial | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Welcome portal | Yes | Partial | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Pre-boarding (before Day 1) | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| IT provisioning link | Yes | No | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Onboarding progress tracking | Yes | Yes | Partial | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Get new hires productive faster
From offer letter to day 30, automate the entire onboarding workflow. New hires feel welcomed, prepared, and connected.
"A well executed and error free payroll strategy can improve retention, boost morale, and reflect the values of your organization."
How to Choose the Best Employee Onboarding Software
Not every onboarding tool is built for the same team. Here are three considerations that should drive your decision.
All-in-One HRMS vs. Standalone Onboarding Tool
Standalone onboarding tools give you flexibility but create data silos. When a new hire completes onboarding in one system and their payroll is in another, you're back to manual reconciliation.
All-in-one platforms connect onboarding directly to payroll, leave, attendance, and performance. When a new hire finishes their checklist, they're payroll-ready with leave entitlements set and performance goals assigned, without a single re-entry of data.
For most growing companies, the all-in-one approach delivers more long-term value. brioHR's onboarding module sits within a fully integrated HRMS, so you're never building a new integration each time you add an HR function. Read more about what functions your HRIS system should have.
Pre-Boarding and Day 1 Readiness
The best onboarding starts before the first day. Pre-boarding lets new hires submit documents, complete profile setup, and receive a welcome kit before they log in.
Check whether a platform includes genuine pre-boarding or just document collection. A branded welcome portal is meaningfully different from a document upload link.
brioHR, altHR, OmniHR, Employment Hero, and Workday all include pre-boarding. Swingvy and QuickHR don't. If Day 1 experience is part of your employer brand, that distinction matters. Read more about employee onboarding in Singapore and what local HR teams need to get right.
Local Compliance and Payroll Integration
For teams in Malaysia and Singapore, onboarding software can't be evaluated in isolation from payroll compliance. A new hire needs EPF, SOCSO, EIS, and PCB (or CPF, SDL, IR8A for Singapore) set up accurately from their first pay cycle.
Platforms without native compliance support require manual configuration or external tools, adding risk and delays. brioHR, Swingvy, and OmniHR cover both Malaysia and Singapore natively. altHR covers Malaysia only. QuickHR covers Singapore natively, with Malaysian compliance delivered through a partner.
If you're operating across both markets or planning to expand, native dual-country compliance from a single platform is a key advantage. Learn about how payroll system integration can help your business and see the key features to look for in HR software.
Everything HR.
One login
From payroll to onboarding, brioHR gives you everything you need in one place. Built for busy teams. Backed by people who care.
Onboard Faster and Retain Longer With brioHR
The first 90 days decide whether a new hire becomes a productive contributor or starts looking elsewhere. The right employee onboarding software removes the admin friction, gives your new starter a professional first experience, and connects Day 1 to the full employee journey without manual data entry.
For growing companies in Malaysia or Singapore, brioHR covers the most complete onboarding module at the SME and mid-market price point: pre-boarding, welcome portal, checklists, cross-functional task assignment, IT provisioning link, and direct connection to payroll and performance. Book a demo to see it in action.
For Malaysian SMEs wanting strong performance management alongside onboarding, altHR is the best local alternative. For AU-linked businesses, Employment Hero is worth evaluating. For enterprises with complex IT provisioning requirements, Workday delivers at that scale. Read our guide to choosing HR software in Singapore or explore reasons why companies use HR software to go deeper.
Conclusion
- The right employee onboarding software automates admin, assigns tasks across teams, and gives new hires a polished start before Day 1.
- brioHR covers the most complete onboarding module for MY/SG SMEs: pre-boarding, checklists, IT provisioning, and direct connection to payroll and performance.
- For Malaysian SMEs wanting onboarding tied to OKRs and performance reviews, altHR is the strongest local alternative.
- For enterprises with complex IT provisioning needs across multiple countries, Workday HCM delivers at that scale.
FAQs
What is the difference between onboarding software and an HRIS?
Onboarding software handles the new hire setup process. An HRIS (Human Resources Information System) manages the full employee lifecycle. Some platforms, like brioHR, combine both in one system.
How long does it take to implement employee onboarding software?
Most cloud-based platforms take one to three months. brioHR averages two months. Enterprise platforms like Workday typically require 12 to 24 months.
Can onboarding software support remote or distributed teams?
Yes. Cloud-based platforms with pre-boarding and digital document collection are built for remote-first workflows. New hires can complete everything before Day 1 without being in the office.
Does employee onboarding software integrate with payroll?
It depends. All-in-one systems like brioHR connect onboarding directly to payroll. Standalone tools may require manual data transfer or third-party integrations.
Is onboarding software worth it for small businesses?
Yes, if you're hiring regularly. Even a 10-person company benefits from automated checklists and document collection. Platforms like brioHR scale from small teams and grow with you. See how brioHR's HRMS tools support teams at every stage.
